Vitamin K is one of the vitamins that both dogs and people need to ingest with food to stay he althy. Its most prominent role in the body is to help coagulation, hence its lack causes bleeding. On some occasions, such as rodenticide poisoning, it is necessary to provide this vitamin as a drug. In this article on our site we will explain what vitamin K for dogs is for
What is vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a vitamin from the fat-soluble group, essential for the correct coagulation of blood and also plays a role in the maintenance of bones Specifically, it is an essential cofactor for synthesizing coagulation factors that it has to produce the liver. This means that if there is not enough of this vitamin in the body, spontaneous and uncontrolled bleeding may occur. In other words, without vitamin K, since the necessary components are not formed, the clotting time will be increased. If bleeding occurs, it will either not stop or will take a long time to stop.
Metabolized in the liver, where it is stored for a short time, and eliminated in the bile that goes to the digestive system and through the urine. Vitamin K is ingested with food or made by bacteria in the intestinal tract, but sometimes vitamin K for dogs needs to be given to address he alth issues.
What is vitamin K used for in dogs?
Vitamin K for dogs, specifically K1, is used in cases where there is a risk of bleeding. Starts working in a matter of hours. Thus, the vet can prescribe it to dogs with liver problems to avoid bleeding and bruising. In addition, dogs being treated with drugs such as anticonvulsants, sulfonamides or NSAIDs may see their vitamin K levels decrease. For this reason, they may need to be administered, the same as in some cases of bone problems. But its best known use is as part of the protocol to treat poisoning with rodenticides In the following article, we talk in greater depth about Poisoning in dogs - Symptoms and first aid.
Vitamin K for Poisoned Dogs
Rodenticides with an anticoagulant effect are relatively common, so it is not uncommon for a dog to gain access to them. Sometimes just eating a poisoned mouse is enough. They work by preventing the body from synthesizing vitamin K and their effects are not noticeable until about 2-5 days after intake, since before they appear they must be deplete the coagulation factors and vitamin K that the dog's body had at that time.
The symptoms of this poisoning are related to blood loss. We will be able to appreciate:
- Paleness or a bluish hue to the dog's skin and mucous membranes.
- Bleeding in the form of vomiting.
- Hematuria, which is bloody urine.
- Melena, which is bleeding in the stool.
- Nose, rectal, gingival or internal bleeding.
- Hematomas.
- Excessive bleeding during heat.
Internal bleeding can cause the sudden death of the dog. In these cases, the administration of vitamin K is essential as part of the treatment to try to save the dog's life.
In case of poisoning, it is very important to go to the vet immediately. You may also find these tips on First aid for dogs useful.
Dose of vitamin K for dogs
The dose of the vitamin K tablets is 5 mg per day per kg of the dog's weight The treatment can last for a week or even a month or more, depending on the type of poison the dog has ingested, since vitamin K has to be administered as long as it takes to be eliminated from the body and until coagulation returns to normalWithdrawing the vitamin earlier would cause a relapse. The vet will monitor the dog's coagulation status.
If you are thinking of offering your dog vitamin K to improve its general he alth, we advise you to consult your veterinarian first. Also, you can consult this other article about The best vitamins for dogs.
How to give a dog vitamin K?
Vitamin K is administered in situations of risk to the dog's life, that is why it is a treatment that is usually injected by the veterinarian by subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous route. As the dog recovers, the vitamin continues to be administered by injection or orally for as long as this professional determines.
Film-coated tablets are available that can be divided to facilitate dose adjustment for each dog. Its administration is recommended after the mealThere is also vitamin K in syrup, as a food supplement. In this case, the dose is 1-2 ml per kg of weight per day, better before meals, although, of course, it is the veterinarian who must give us the most suitable dosage for our dog.
In addition, there are plenty of foods rich in vitamin K that we can add to our dog's diet. Of course, this consumption should not replace veterinary treatment:
Vitamin K dog food
Some of the foods with the most vitamin K for dogs are:
- Broccoli.
- Brussels sprouts.
- Kale.
- Cabbage.
- Spinach.
- Chard.
- Carrot.
- Fish.
- Liver.
- Beef.
- Eggs.
- Vegetable oils.
Vitamin K Side Effects in Dogs
There are no known side effects of oral administration of vitamin K for dogs, but its use is avoided in pregnant or lactating bitches, as there are no studies showing its safety at this stage. This vitamin crosses the placental barrier, although research to date has not detected damage or malformations in pregnant puppies. You also have to notify the veterinarian if the dog is consuming any drug. Some affect and reduce the activity of vitamin K, such as certain NSAIDs or cephalosporins.
Reaction to vitamin K in dogs
Studies conducted with this vitamin have not detected any adverse reactions Even using a higher dose than recommended, no adverse reactions have been described signs of intolerance. But there have been reports of hypersensitivity reactions to treatment with high-dose injectable vitamin K. Of course, they require the intervention of the veterinarian. In this case, vomiting and anemia may also occur.
